Mental health struggles affect people of all ages, including young children. As parents, especially moms, we’re always on the lookout for ways to help our kids cope with their emotions and behaviors. According to studies from 2016 through 2019, the three most common mental health challenges among children age 5 to 8 are ADHD, anxiety, and depression. In this post, we’ll dive into these 3 common child mental health struggles in ages 5-8 and offer practical advice to support your child.
Key Statistics
Between 2016 and 2019, the prevalence of these conditions in children aged 3-17 was alarming! ADHD affected 9.8% of children (about 6 million), anxiety affected 9.4% of children (about 5.8 million), and depression affected 4.4% of children (about 2.7 million). If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, here’s what you need to know about these 3 conditions and how to take action.
3 Common Child Mental Health Struggles in Ages 5-8
1. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
What is it?
ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These behaviors can disrupt your child’s learning, relationships, and daily activities. ADHD often starts in childhood and can persist through adulthood.
Top 3 Signs of ADHD:
- Inattention: Difficulty focusing, finishing tasks, or following instructions.
- Hyperactivity: Seemingly endless energy, talking excessively, or frequent interruptions.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, difficulty with self-control, and making impulsive decisions.
When to Seek Help
Some ADHD-related behaviors are normal in children ages 5-8. However, if these behaviors affect schoolwork, home life, or friendships, it’s time to consider professional help. Untreated ADHD can lead to frustration, underachievement, and emotional struggles.
What You Can Do
- Take Notes: Keep a record of your child’s behaviors, which will be helpful when talking to teachers or doctors.
- Talk to Caregivers: Get input from teachers and caregivers for a complete understanding of your child’s behavior.
- Consult a Pediatrician: A professional evaluation can rule out other issues like allergies or sensory processing problems.
2. Anxiety
Do Kids Really Get Anxious?
Yes, children can feel anxiety just like adults! According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is marked by tension, worry, and physical symptoms like an increased heart rate. In young children, anxiety can manifest in ways that affect their daily lives.
Top 3 Signs of Anxiety:
- Emotional Distress: Frequent crying, clinginess, or excessive worry.
- Physical Symptoms: Changes in eating, disrupted sleep, or frequent stomachaches and headaches.
- Psychosomatic Symptoms: Feeling unwell with no medical cause—like unexplained dizziness, a racing heart, or an upset stomach.
How You Can Help
- Avoid Overprotecting: Letting your child face and solve their worries helps them build resilience.
- Teach Problem-Solving: Work with your child on strategies to manage anxiety, like creating a “worry box” or breaking down a problem into manageable steps.
- Consult a Pediatrician: If necessary, a doctor can help rule out medical causes and recommend therapy.
3. Depression
What is Childhood Depression?
Depression in children is more than just the occasional bad mood. If your child seems sad, irritable, or hopeless for more than two weeks, it could be depression. This disorder can significantly affect their ability to enjoy life and activities.
Top 3 Signs of Depression:
- Behavioral Changes: Sleep, appetite, and relationships may be negatively impacted.
- Loss of Interest: A noticeable lack of enthusiasm for school, sports, or hobbies they used to enjoy.
- Prolonged Sadness: Your child may seem lonely, withdrawn, or consistently unhappy.
How to Take Action
- Talk to Your Pediatrician: Rule out medical conditions and ask about evaluations for therapies like occupational or speech therapy if needed.
- Seek Mental Health Support: Find a child mental health specialist or play therapist to help your child express their emotions.
- Keep Observing: Regularly monitor your child’s behavior and maintain open conversations about their feelings.
Kate’s Journey with Anxiety and ADHD
Kate was a bright and spunky eight-year-old struggling with overwhelming anxiety and attention issues at school. Her mom noticed that Kate had trouble staying focused on her homework and often worried excessively about her grades and friendships.
At ACA Counseling, Kate underwent a thorough assessment, including the BASC behavior rating scales and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. These tools helped identify areas of concern and allowed our therapist to create a personalized treatment plan.
Through a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and coping strategies, Kate learned how to manage her anxiety and improve her focus. After just a few months, she could concentrate better in school, participate in class discussions, and approach challenges with more confidence.
“I feel like I have my baby back again,” Kate’s mom shared. “She’s happier, and I’m so relieved to see her enjoying school and friends without so much worry.”
When to Reach Out for Help
Seeing our children struggle is tough, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. If your child’s behavior is concerning, reach out to their pediatrician or a mental health professional. Early intervention is key to helping your child thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.
Every step you take to understand and support your child’s mental health can make a big difference in their future well-being. Understanding ADHD, anxiety, and depression in children ages 5-8 is crucial for moms who want to support their kids’ mental health. By staying informed and taking action when needed, you can make a positive impact on your child’s emotional and behavioral development.
This is part one in a three-part series called Child Mental Health Awareness, presented by Alabama Family Central. Alabama Family Central is a collaboration of state agencies and partners supporting Alabama’s families with online resources, services, and more to help raise healthy, happy kids. With access to vetted resources families can search Alabama Family Central confidently, find answers quickly, and get one step ahead.
Meet Alexis Sapp and ACA Counseling
Alexis Sapp of Alabama Child & Adolescent Counseling is the featured contributor for this series and writer of this article. Mrs. Sapp is a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NBCC), a Licensed Professional Counselor, (LPC), and a Supervising Counselor, SC. Mrs. Sapp enjoys the therapeutic benefit of engaging clients in walk-and-talk therapy while utilizing ACA’s facility dogs. Her mission is to empower children, teens, and their families to overcome personal obstacles and improve their quality of life. She is passionate about the impact of counseling during childhood and adolescent years. ACA Counseling is one of the many professional resources available with Alabama Family Central. To reach out for services you may contact ACA Counseling at 205-530-8743 or email admin@myacacounseling.com.
Enjoy this article? Find part 2 of this series here…
Understanding 3 Most Common Child Mental Health Struggles :: Ages 9-12
